Last Moments in Australia
By Sisiter Cities
Published: Monday, August 30th, 2010
By Chrisitne Nowak:
I think we can all say we got something from Australia. Whether it be a bunch of souvenirs, a new wardrobe, or a new craving for vegemite. But I believe the most important thing that we made and got from this trip is friendship, and the bonds we have made with our host families and new friends.
Walking into our new homes, us all being nervous, we are welcomed with opened arms and a new spot in their family. I was very fortunate to stay with the beautiful Smyth family. The moment I put my luggage down, they worked at making me feel at home. With each day our comfort levels improved. We went from being nervous, always asking permission for a drink, to rummaging through the fridge to see if there is anything good to eat or drink. And in return our families adjusted to us as well. We start showing each other our real selves, our true personalities, and they showed us theirs. That’s when we start becoming a real family. I, along with Kasey Sickles were fortunate to have celebrated our Sweet “16″ with a birthday bash given by Smyth’s and Robb’s. The only problem was as soon as we started to become a family it was time to go to our new host family. For most of us it was a teary goodbye , but we also looked forward to being with our next family. For me, it meant reuniting with my Aussie Brother, Charlton and his family.
Walking into the next home, our nerves in hand, we are again welcomed with open arms and another spot with another family. Like before we adjusted well and embraced the love. These families shared their favorite spots, their favorite foods and even favorite AFL teams. It was an amazing experience. But like before it had to come to an end, but this time was a little different because we were leaving, not going to a different host family, but actually leaving.
Our farewell dinner was filled with tears, we manage to do our American skit without breaking down. For me it was bittersweet, it was hard to say goodbye, but having my Father and Sister present meant that this was not a final goodbye. And this is why I said we are taking more than souvenirs and memories. My family has kept in touch with the wonderful Bakowski Family, their son has stayed with us, and now my father and sister were there visiting, and soon we will have Charlton and his parents visiting for two weeks. This is why I know I will always keep in touch with The Bakowki’s, the Smyth, the Robb’s, the Bonners and the Langs, and all the many wonderful people we have met. This was the best Souvenir!
Well it was now time to leave, we all had tears in our eyes as we drove away looking at our family wave their last goodbye. But we all knew it wouldn’t be the last because we all want to go back to Australia and we all know we have a home there.
I want to thank the Temple City Sister Association and the Hawkesbury Association for making this possible.
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